Thursday 27 November 2014

Grasping The Concept Of Statistics For Lawyers

By Patty Goff


Statistics offers a scientific approach to delivery and administration of justice. Statistics for lawyers comes in a simplified format considering that it is not the core course in legal studies. Tutors offer an abridged version that is easier to understand and apply in interpretation of the law. It equips the attorneys with necessary tools to understand evidence and present facts that are crucial in the quest for justice.

Statistical reasoning and probability make forensic concepts easier to understand. This understanding is crucial in solving crimes with no direct evidence. Its increased importance has seen law schools make it an elective unit or advise the attorneys interested in the field to register upon graduation. Probability is a major unit alongside predisposition. They are very crucial concepts when evidence is being presented.

Medical cases have brought to fore the need for statistical knowledge and understanding. The evidence presented in these cases is forensic in nature. Expert witnesses present some of the concepts in a complicated manner which is likely to disadvantage the attorney. The skills acquired are crucial in defense preparation.

Jurisprudence is now heavily reliant on statistical inferences to strengthen arguments for defense and prosecution. It means that the parties that do not understand the concepts in question will be disadvantaged. Statistical reasoning makes arguments stronger in such a way that the evidence is not easy to discount.

Lawyers are crucial players in legislative processes. Relying on statistical inferences creates legislation that is factual and transformational. Such legislation has greater impact on the society compared to others that are based on instincts. It gives an impression of a professional approach to social transformation.

Those in the legal profession as judges and forensic scientists have additional skills to improve on the quality of delivery. Understanding statistical angles in cases improves the quality of decisions made. It eliminates costly assumptions that are based on personal or social biases. This will make one a better professional in his approach to issues.

The cases that would require statistical knowledge involve law on securities, mass torts, capital punishment and identification evidence. To make the concepts easy to understand, authors use a lot of examples to contextualize the concepts. There are books for elementary courses that serve as an introduction. As the student gets deeper into the ideas, they get complex.

It is convenient to study through online modules offered by academic departments and professional associations. These bodies will issue you with a certificate upon completion of the course. There are opportunities to advance and specialize in order to become a consultant. Advanced knowledge helps attorneys and judges to be better prepared for expert witnesses and forensic evidence.

Some of the units covered include significance, regression, random variables, sampling and combining evidence. There is emphasis on descriptive tools, compound events as well as epidemiology. These concepts are vital when evidence is being interpreted and when experts present their findings.

There are cases that were won or lost at the statistical juncture. This made it important for legal practitioners to understand these concepts in order to raise their grasp of evidence and expert presentations. Online classes make it easy and convenient to complete your studies at your own pace.




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